Learning Russia’s culture
DESPITE differences in nationalities and cultural backgrounds, 30 students from 15 nations under the BA (Hons) International Relations programme at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) came together for an out-ofclassroom learning trip to the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Malaysia.
The multicultural group comprised students from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kashmir, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Seychelles, Somali Land, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates and Zambia.
First Secretary Alexander V. Antipov, and Second Secretary (press-attache) Maxim A. Salnikov from the embassy conducted a 45-minute guest lecture that exposed the students to Russia’s foreign policy on preserving national security, as well as the country’s role in sustainable development goals in promoting world peace and a secure global environment.
Questions related to Russia’s interest in foreign policies and issues in world politics were among topics that were discussed among the students and officials from the embassy.
Final year student Rizwan Rafi Togoo said: “The diplomats at the embassy were highly interactive. They were helpful in answering our queries. It was a great experience, they even encouraged us to try on the Russian attire during our visit, which was a memorable moment as I may have not experienced it if I had not participated in this visit.”
Apart from having the opportunity to interact with Russian diplomats, Togoo also read about ornate religious and cultural symbols during the visit at the centre.
This visit, planned by
APU’s School of Marketing and Media, is to encourage the development of International Relations students’ knowledge towards cultural environments and world affairs in the era of globalisation.
“During all the visits organised for our students, we always stress on the importance of global cultural awareness via interaction with diplomats and their peers with different ideologies. We are pleased to see their horizon of thinking broadened and this gives them an edge as future international relations advocates,” said APU School of Marketing and Media head Dr Devinder Kaur.